Odisha govt asks DISCOMs to reduce power outages

With several parts of the state reeling under frequent power cuts due to scorching heat, Energy secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhal held discussion with the Standing Committee of Energy Wednesday and attributed rampant power cuts to maintenance and capital work.  

“Expressing concern over frequent load-shedding and increased electricity bill, Standing Committee talked to power distribution companies and the latter are told not to cut power in nights. Also, the DISCOMs are advised to reduce power outage”, said Dhal.

Addressing media, Dhal said, “We don’t have power related issues from May 1. Power is not regulated by State Load Despatch Centre. However, DISCOMs claimed they are busy doing maintenance work for smooth supply of power in coming days. Our requirement during peak is 4,400-4,500 mega watt which we are able to meet from May 1.”

Standing Committee Chairman Subrat Tarai said, “The DISCOMs have been asked to give importance on time management and complete all its maintenance related work before the onset of Rainy season. The company has also assured to complete the task at the earliest.”

On the other hand, Tata Power authorities claimed that last year the company failed to do maintenance work owing to covid and cyclone.  Maintenance work is in progress now. There will be no frequent power cuts in future.”

Meanwhile, CEO of Tata Power North, Bhaskar Sarkar, refuted the claims of inflated energy bills. “We had not done maintenance work last year due to covid and cyclone. We are presently looking after maintenance so that our consumers will not have to face power outage in coming days,” he said.